Xpadorians (eks•pä•dôr′ē•ənz) n. Expats in Ecuador

Morning Update – Saturday, March 12, 2011

NEWS ALERT – News coverage of yesterday’s 8.9 magnitude earthquake off the eastern cost of Honshu, Japan focused on the dramatic images of the disaster and ensuing devastation resulting from the tsunami. Warnings and advisories were issued for all Pacific coastal regions. While our local news crews waited for huge waves to signal that the tsunami had reach shore in California, it was the repeating surges of water that caused the most damage to shallow boat harbors. Although the tsunami had traveled far, it appeared to have lost its devastating punch.

Tsunami Energy Map

Many of us were worried about the Galapagos Islands and coastal Ecuador. When I went to bed last night the only word that I heard was that President Rafael Correa declared a state of emergency and ordered evacuation of the Galapagos Islands and coastal provinces. Boats were ordered to remain in the deep ocean until the danger had passed and Lonely Jorge, the giant tortoise, and other protected species were evacuated from the Galapagos Islands National Park. The news was good as I awoke this morning to reports that damage was minimal in Latin America.

Bob & Rox – Our man on the scene filed two reports: yesterday afternoon he let us know that they were on alert and were waiting to see what was happening in the Galapagos, figuring they would have about an hour to evacuate. Just as they were finishing dinner they received the word to GET OUT and headed to the tent city in the hills above Manglaralto. At about 11:00 p.m. Correa sounded the all clear.

Finding our Paradise in Ecuador – The mandatory evacuation forced Nan and Joe to pack their bags and head to Guayaquil. Traffic was, as she described, unbelievable. Every vehicle was packed; an estimated 300,000 people fled from the coast.

Gringos Abroad – Doug tells us to be aware of some high altitude reactions such as nose bleeds, headaches and embarrassing, ummm… farts. Just another joyful experience living in Cuenca.

Jill Sare’s TravelBlog – Jill spends the day with Jose Lara, an English teacher and one of her advanced students, at his bee-keeping business in Patate, a valley village outside of Banos. If you ever have been fascinated by apiculture she describes the operation complete with great photos.

Living and Retiring in Ecuador – Connie explains what’s hot and what’s not in Cuenca. Flowers and almuerzos (that’s lunch for you non-Spanish speakers) are pretty inexpensive. What’s not? Beauty treatments (except for manicures) so bring lots of your favorites from home. p.s. She also found a place with great Mexican food.

Olon Again…Naturally – Leigh, our other coastal blogger, weighs in with the tsunami reports from her area. When word broke of the impending tidal surges to come, Leigh and Todd moved all the important electronics and stuff to the upstairs, then fled for the hills.

Rich and Nancy – Always ones to accommodate requests for photos Rich and Nancy post these ones for their friends. I see a few new faces in the mix and am glad to finally put a name to those that I didn’t recognize.